DEVELOPERS didn't have a prayer when they took on nuns in an enclosed convent.

DEVELOPERS didn't have a prayer when they took on nuns in an enclosed convent.

A planning inspector agreed with the Abbess that the nuns' moments of silent reflection and prayer could be disrupted by proposals to develop property next to a Benedictine convent in a Chester suburb.

He rejected the plan to redevelop a large, decaying 19th Century property at Curzon House.

The scheme was to carry out alterations to the house and construct a replacement outbuilding to provide 11 dwellings.

City planners refused permission for the scheme, set in the Curzon Park Conservation Area, and Morris Developments appealed.

Inspector Keith Durrant felt the main issues were whether the development would preserve the character or appearance of the conservation area and protect the living conditions of neighbouring residents.

The inspector raised concerns about the effect of the development on the occupiers of the neighbouring Benedictine convent.

He referred to their 'established quality of life, both in prayer and in caring for the sick' and said he shared the concern of the Abbess about development next to the convent.

There would be noise and disturbance from occupiers and visitors to the flats, he suggested.

The inspector also felt that the loss of trees had been underestimated, which would add up to the feeling within the convent that the apartments would be too close to the chapel and library.

He agreed the redevelopment would bring benefits but decided the scheme was over-development, particularly regarding the level of activity including an access road, parking for 15 vehicles and bin and cycle stores close to the convent.

The inspector dismissed the appeal and a separate application by Morris Developments for costs.

Residents were represented by Mr D Haslewood, of Curzon Park South, and city councillor Michael Poole (Con, Curzon and Westminster) also attended.